Delhi Implements GRAP Stage 4 Measures: Hybrid Classes and 50% WFH as Air Quality Reaches 'Severe Plus' Levels

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) escalated from 431 at 4 pm to 441 by 6 pm, prompting immediate action.

New Delhi:

The Delhi administration has mandated hybrid learning models for all government and private schools up to Class 11 (excluding Class 10) as the city implements stringent pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which took effect on Saturday.

Additionally, government and private offices have been instructed to implement 50% work-from-home policies. A comparable directive was previously issued on November 24 when GRAP-3 measures were activated, though it was subsequently rescinded when those restrictions were lifted later that month.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central government's pollution control authority, initially imposed GRAP-3 restrictions across Delhi and neighboring regions on Saturday afternoon before escalating to GRAP-4 that same evening in response to rapidly deteriorating air quality conditions.

Delhi's air quality index registered 431 at 4 pm before worsening to 441 by 6 pm.

"In view of the prevailing air quality trend and to prevent further deterioration in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to immediately implement all actions outlined under Stage-IV of the current GRAP framework - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), across the entire NCR. These measures are in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of existing GRAP already in effect throughout the NCR," stated the CAQM in their official release.

The GRAP framework establishes Stage 1 restrictions when AQI falls between 201-300 (classified as 'Poor'), Stage 2 for AQI between 301-400 ('Very Poor'), Stage 3 when AQI reaches 401-450 ('Severe'), and Stage 4 when AQI exceeds 450 ('Severe Plus').

Addressing the causes behind the worsening air quality, the CAQM identified a weak Western Disturbance approaching northwest India as the primary contributing factor rather than local emissions.

"The current meteorological conditions have resulted in significantly reduced wind speeds, occasionally becoming completely still, a directional shift from westerly to easterly winds, and increased moisture content in the lower atmosphere. Such winter conditions facilitate smog and fog formation, leading to poor dispersion and trapping pollutants near ground level. These adverse meteorological factors have caused the sudden deterioration in air quality," the commission explained.